4 Best Hotels in Kjölur Route, The Highlands

This remote mountain complex is now a year-round resort featuring an upscale hotel with lodges, a restaurant, and the Highland Baths that tap local geothermal waters. In the summer, when the Kjölur route is open to regular traffic, there’s also a campsite and simple private huts. It's located in an area with several shapely peaks, steaming valleys, and canyons riddled with hiking trails. The resort can arrange activities for guests, from summer mountain e-biking to winter stargazing. Winter access is arranged via the hotel and requires a Super-Jeep transfer due to the snowbound terrain. The complex is 10 km (6 miles) off Route 35, along Route F347.

An excellent place to stay by the Svartá river, this mountain hut operated by Íslandshestar has beds for 30 people and stable facilities for those traveling by horse. There is also a cozy café called Kaffi Kjölur selling food, beer, and wine. If you're staying the night, you'll need to bring a sleeping bag or you can rent one here.

A convenient stop on the Kjölur route, Hveravellir sees lots of traffic, not just for its impressive geothermal features and bathing pool, but also for its refreshments and accommodation options, which include camping and mountain cabins: one with sleeping-bag spaces for up to 30 people and a newer building with private rooms, made-up beds, and breakfast. For day visitors wishing for access to toilets, showers, and the geothermal pool, there’s a small fee of ISK 500.

Not to be confused with the mountain hut of the same name in the north by Jökulsá í Fjöllum, this two-story crofter cottage was built in 1930 and is the oldest lodging operated by Ferðafélag Íslands (Iceland Touring Association); it's listed on their website under \"Hvítárnes.\" The second floor is said to be occupied by the ghost of a woman who prefers to haunt young men. The dormitory rooms sleep 30 people (sleeping bags required) with bunk beds downstairs and mattresses in the loft.